Comparative Religion Unit III: India

Covers Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism

Which group of people conquered India in ancient times?

The Aryans

Caste system

a social hierarchy based on race, religion, wealth, etc. where people CANNOT move between levels

What is the main point/goal of Hinduism?

To ask questions and find enlightenment in one’s personal truth

The Four Vedas

A set of historical and religious sources for India and Hinduism

Samsara

The term for the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism

Nirvana

The ultimate goal of Hinduism where the soul becomes one with the universe

Brahmins

Hindu priests; the top caste

Kshatriyas

Warriors and politicians; upper-class Hindus

Vaishyas

Merchants and farmers; the middle class

Shudras

unskilled laborers/the lower class OR ‘polluted’ people excluded from the caste system

What does the Upanishads say about souls in reincarnation?

Every soul is stuck on a wheel of death and rebirth until they lose their desires and go to nirvana

Naraka

The Hindu Hell with 28 layers

What jobs were considered unclean in Hindu society?

Any job dealing with dead things (leatherworkers, butchers, gravediggers, etc.)

The Ramayana

the Hindu epic about Rama’s battle against demons to rescue his wife

Why is Rama’s wife Sita considered the ideal Hindu woman?

She is obsessed with her husband, pure, and very loyal